Welcome to BottomTime's Pics 101. You might want to print this page for instructions as you go along. This Pic Tutorial is primarily focused on the use of Pics in Chat. However, the basics remain the same for the use in Websites.
[NOTE: References to Click mean a Left Mouse Button Click, unless told it is a Right Click]

We're going to start out by DOWNLOADing a pic you like to your PC.

1. Select a pic that you want... it can be either scanned from a photo or magazine, be selected from a PhotoCD, from a collection of photos you had put on diskette at the PhotoLab or drug store, or one you found on the NET. To use it you have to save it into your computer's hard-drive (HD). You should create a folder on your HD for this purpose and have it separate from any other areas or program folders on your computer (preferrably under My Documents). This really is quite easy. If you're not familiar with any of these and need help, please let me know. I have or can make additional instructions.

2. With Computers Bigger is NOT always Better *BG* Once the pic is on your HD you will need to use a photo program to manipulate the pic to make sure it is the right file size, physical size and format for displaying. If you don't have a photo program or want one that's easy to use, I recommend PaintShop Pro. You can get it at www.jasc.com. I use PSP and it's Great!

FILE SIZE: Should not exceed 50K for easy caching. There are a variety of ways to reduce the size of Pics. One prime way is to reduce the resolution. Pics being used only on the NET should not be saved at a resolution larger than 72dpi (this is the only resolution that a monitor will show). A higher resolution does nothing but make the file size larger and takes longer to cache or may not cache at all for some browsers or PCs.

ACTUAL SIZE: The actual (physical) size of the pic should not be more than 200-300 x 300 pixels. You really don't want to take up more than 1/3 of the screen with a pic. Anything too large is difficult to see and annoying to others. Remember, posts in Chat will show to the right of the pic. I personnally will not scroll to read the message *G*

FORMAT: The pic formats used on the NET and in Chat are JPG (for photos for lots of colors) or GIF (for cartoons). If you have UPLOADed a pic to the NET and it is not showing in your browser, there is a good chance that it is in the wrong format. Do not use bitmap, psp, tiff, etc. Make sure your pics are saved in JPG or GIF format.

Remember... your pic must be saved in the correct file size, physical size and format BEFORE you UPLOAD it to the NET.

Let me know if you need further help on any of these items. I will be happy to help.

UPLOADing:

OK... now you have saved your pic to your HD and it's in the right format(JPG/JPEG or GIF) and you're ready to UPLOAD it to the NET. First, you need space. There are many places on the NET that will provide you space for free, however, many are becoming proprietary and are making it difficult for you to use your pics beyond their borders (i.e. Tripod, Geocities). Many times your ISP (internet service provider) will also provide you with 3-5mgs of space for webpage use with your account. Other places that are allowing space for free are www.bravenet.com (100mgs), www.boomspeed.com (1mg), www.cheesegame.com (3mgs), and there are many more to choose from

UPLOADing

1. Once you log into your webspace make sure you are in the file manager area. In the File Manager you will find an area to Upload Files. Usually at the bottom of your file manager. Here you will find file boxes are for uploading. Look to the right of the file boxes (usually) and you will see a browse button. Click the Browse button.

2. When you click the Browse button you get a dialogue box showing your HD. Browse through your HD to get to the directory and folder where you saved your pic. Once you find your pic click it and the directory location/name will appear in the Upload box. Now Click the Upload button located below. When your files are done you will get *hopefully* a notification that the Upload was successful. Be sure not to have unusual characters or spaces in your File names... most sites will not recognize them........ now for some fun. *VBG*

3. You are in your File Manager Upload area... scroll down and you will see the list of the Files you have uploaded and saved to the NET. Your pic should be listed there. You will notice that the name of the pic is a "link" and to the right of the file name you may see the file size and the date you uploaded the file.

Click the File Name and you will see your pic... but now to get it to the chat room.

4. Right Click on the pic and you'll get a drop-down menu. Go to "Copy Image Location" and Click on it... you have copied the pic to your clipboard.

5. Now... go to the chat room ...... race ya there *G*

6. Ahhh, here we are in BT Chat but when you post there's no pic... well you have to put it in your setup area ... so in the room scoll down to the box at the bottom where it says Picture: this is where the URL for your pic goes.

7. Place your cursor in the Picture URL box and Right Click... you see a drop-down menu.... and you want to Click Paste...... aaahhhhh there's your pic's URL. Of course you could have written it down on a piece of paper...then go to the room and retyped it in the box ... exactly as saved... but what's the fun in that?? they are too long and you set yourself up for a typo and it will never cache then. Remember BT's Mantra... Copy and Paste are our Friends *BG*

8. OK... your pic is in the proper place and with the proper URL and you're ready to chat.

SHORT-CUT TRICK:
Here's a trick I use a lot... I open netscape twice. This gives me 2 browsers. I put one browser in my pic directory to be able to grab pics quickly and put the other browser in chat. I can then toggle between the 2 areas with the buttons at the bottom of my screen.

Be sure to email me if you have any questions or if you're interested in any basic HTML treatments for your Handle, Adding Text just before or after your handle, or if you have any other questions.

If you're interested in other basic HTML treatments then click HERE and complete our submission request.

Now... go out there ... have fun...and get those PICS!!! ... *LOL*

See ya soon *VBS*

BT